A row is brewing on the county cricket scene over plans to form a new second division in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League.

Officials announced proposals to introduce a second tier from 2010 to see off the threat of fixture congestion with the potential for the league’s membership to rise to 18 teams next summer.

The intention was to invite applications from clubs around Shropshire to apply, but the plans have produced an angry response from FBC Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League chiefs.

They have seven divisions and act as a feeder to the Premier League.

“We are emphatically opposed to the Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League plans to expand to two divisions from the 2010 season,” said FBC Manby Bowdler League chairman Bill Hopkins in a statement.

“Rumours abound that clubs from both inside and outside Shropshire have been approached to join the expanded league, including teams currently playing in division one of our league.

“These rumours are disquieting to our clubs and need to be addressed. No official contact has been made by the Premier League to discuss these proposals.

“Our League has suggested that a meeting should be held, chaired by the Shropshire Cricket Board, to discuss the situation. At the present time a reply from the Premier League is still awaited.

“The Shropshire Cricket League is of the opinion that all parties with an interest in local cricket should be working together for the benefit of Shropshire cricket, not for their own individual interests.

“Our league continues to strive to provide organised cricket for all standards of play as well as a thriving junior section, and would not wish to see this undermined by the actions of senior clubs acting in their own self interest.

“We would urge the Premier League to involve itself in full discussions with our league and the Shropshire Cricket Board to determine the best way to proceed.”

Mike Robinson, chairman of the Marston’s League refuted suggestions from Hopkins that clubs had been sounded out over joining the expanded league.

“No approach has been made to any club with regards to joining the Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League,” he said.

By JAMES GARRISON